The People's Guide offers tours of Los Angeles neighborhoods led by loyal readers, favorite bloggers, and other luminaries of our choosing. Giving us the lowdown on Mid-City is nightlife expert Caroline Pardilla, also known as Caroline on Crack. Besides running CoC, she is also Drinks Editor at Los Angeles magazine; you can find her on Twitter and Instagram.
How long have you lived in Mid-City?
Nearly five years.
What do you like best about the neighborhood?
Oh man. Can't pick one: diversity, architecture, how central it is to all the things, my neighbors.
What do you like least about Mid-City?
Lack of a decent cocktail bar!
How has it changed since you moved there?
We now have Top Round and Trejo's Tacos. And with the Metro being built nearby on Wilshire and La Brea, this hidden gem of a neighborhood is about to explode.
What's the neighborhood housing stock like?
In my immediate neighborhood it's a lot of those '20s and '30s duplexes. But it does vary from Craftsman to Spanish-style to midcentury.
Better for buyers or renters?
I'd say either but we do have more renters than buyers thanks to all the duplexes.
You mentioned before that Mid-City doesn’t really have any bars. What do people do for fun in the neighborhood?
Ever since the World on Wheels rollerskating rink closed three years ago, it's hard to say. Play tag in the Urban Lights exhibit at LACMA, stroll around the La Brea Tar Pits, or Uber to bars in Koreatown and Hollywood.
Tell us something we don't know about Mid-City.
That a lot of the houses for rent here are duplexes. Mid-City was rezoned in the '20s, so a lot of the houses were turned into multi-family homes, aka duplexes. But it's a great option for those who want to rent but don't want to live in an apartment building.
Hidden gems in Mid-City?
Healing Coffee Roasters on Pico near La Brea not only roasts its own beans but offers a great selection of pour-over coffee and even bottled cold brew.
Do you need a car to get around?
Depends on what you want to do. Grocery stores and coffee shops are within walking distance, as well as some decent food options. But decent bars and sit-down restaurants are a short Uber ride away.
Beloved neighborhood joint?
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles of course! And lots of people still line up for Leo's Tacos. Neighborhoodies like to chill with coffee and their computer at coffee shop Paper or Plastik on Pico.
- People's Guides [Curbed LA]
Loading comments...